PTI chief Imran Khan was “clueless and oblivious” to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s claims that the former contacted latter for the army chief appointment a month ago via a businessman.

“O Shehbaz Sharif, why would I send a message to you,” he said while addressing the party supporters and activists in Muridke from where the long march resumed on its third day. “What is the use of talking to you? What is there to talk to you?”

PM Shehbaz earlier in the day claimed that the PTI chief had approached him for dialogue on the army chief appointment and election date. But, the premier rejected the offer by saying that talks could be held on the “charter of economy and democracy”.

The premier added that the appointment of the next army chief was the prerogative of the incumbent prime minister under the Constitution.

“I talked about those who control you and I said conduct free and fair election in the country nothing else,” PTI chief Imran said to a charged crowd, which started gathering before noon to take part in the cavalcade that would end in Islamabad on November 4.

“Listen Shehbaz Sharif I do not talk to boot polishers,” he said, “I talked to those and talked about them [with whom] you used to meet while hiding in the car’s trunk.”

He reiterated that the PTI need a free and fair election. “We will accept what people will decide. American slaves or dacoits are not acceptable to me.”

Reacting to Indian media reports over his speech against the ISI DG and ISPR DG presser, Imran said that the media of the neighbouring country should not get excited as he has no difference with the army.

“I want the army to be strong. We need a strong army. My criticism is not [intended] to harm them. The Indian media is happy that I and the army are facing off. We are with our military — but our criticism is constructive,” he said.

“Don’t get misunderstood India, we are standing with our army. There were celebrations in India after the DG ISI press conference that Imran and the army are up against each other. I want to tell India that it is our army and I can never be against them.”